Electra Townie

Worth a look. Quality build and great value – We came across the Electra range when visiting the USA in 2016 and my wife who has short legs and never been comfortable on standard road, mtb or hybrid bikes was particularly impressed with the forward chainwheel/crank 'flat foot' design which allowed her to both touch the ground and have a less cramped pedal stroke. The downsides are a longer… Read more

wheel base which is very stable and cruisy but not as manouverable in tight spots, and the forward pedal position makes standing to pedal on hills awkward. The 7 speed 'Revo twist' twist grip operated Shimano rear derailleur has well spaced ratios and works well, although the wrist operation may not suit everyone. These bikes have quality components, comfortable sprung seats, and are supported in Australia by the Trek network. We were fortunate to find a good used example in Melbourne when we came back and have not been disappointed, recently upgrading to a Townie 7D Go electric pedal assist model.

Can't wipe the grin off my face – Simplicity of use, great looks, extremely sturdy and fun, fun, fun! I do a lot of short-distance travel and always using the car seemed silly and wasteful. I compared a number of electric bikes and whilst this one was, ahem, about twice the price of any others, I went with the motto 'buy once, buy well' and have had no regrets. I test-rode a… Read more

different brand bike as well and that was still fun, but comparatively rattly, bumpy and complicated.

I love that the Townie Go does not have a million wires, levers and knobs. No selection of gears or power levels. Just press the button on the battery, hop on and go. Two internal gears in the rear hub do all the thinking for you. With the amount of riding I do, I recharge the battery about once a week.

The level of power assist is perfect for me. I feel like I'm still getting decent exercise (and feel fitter for it, after several months), but don't have to arrive at my destination all sweaty!

The Fat Frank tyres are nice and cushy and about four months in, no punctures (touch wood!). The seat is very comfy, the position is upright and I feel quite high and visible on the road. It's a really smooth ride.

The built-in rear wheel lock is very handy, although I also use a chain lock, depending on where I'm leaving the bike.

The other fabulous built-in feature is the dynamo-powered front and rear lights. Also, the double kick-stand is good and strong. Everything you need is here and of great quality! (As you would hope for the price, but it's still pleasing.)

Only minor negatives I would note are: the 'step-through' frame is not as easy to 'step through' as it could be, due to the general size of the bike and the curve of the upper bar. Rear rack proved too tricky to attach a basket to, but I have become used to using panniers, and the rack is very strong so I can really load them up. The 'deflopilator' spring that stops the front wheel flopping about when the bike is on its stand detached today and will need a bit of re-fastening with pliers, so it remains to be seen whether that holds up long-term, but in any case, it's just a spring that could probably be easily replaced.

The world would surely be a better place if everyone had one of these!